Zhenglin Chi1, Da Jiang Song2, Lin Tian3, Fu Hua Hu4, Xiao Fang Shen5, Harvey Chim6. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China. 2. Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery, Hunan Provincial Cancer Hospital, Xiang Ya Medical School of Central South University, Changsha, China. 3. Department of Hand Surgery, Great Wall Hospital, Chongqing, China. 4. Department of Hand Surgery, Zhoushan Guang'an Orthopedic Hospital, Zhoushan, China. 5. Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital, Wuxi, China. Electronic address: jane.78@163.com. 6. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. Electronic address: harveychim@yahoo.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the technique and report our experience with the reconstruction of combined proximal thumb amputations at the metacarpal base level and index finger amputation at the metacarpal level with pollicization and bilateral double toe composite transfer. METHODS: The technique consists of pollicization of the remnant index ray. Then a contralateral composite medial great toe pulp and vascularized second toe proximal interphalangeal joint flap are harvested to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Subsequently, an ipsilateral composite great toe wrap-around and second toe proximal interphalangeal joint flap are harvested to reconstruct the thumb interphalangeal joint and the distal thumb. A neurotized superthin anterolateral thigh flap is used to reconstruct the ipsilateral toe defect, while the bone defects of the bilateral second toes are reconstructed with corticocancellous iliac crest bone grafts. Between 2010 and 2014, eight patients underwent reconstruction. Four patients could be recalled for follow-up, with a mean duration of 22 months. RESULTS: All flaps survived. The contour and length of the reconstructed thumbs was similar to the contralateral one. The mean Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire score was 80.5. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 7.5. The mean foot and ankle disability index score was 94.2. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of thumb amputations at the metacarpal base level with pollicization and double toe composite transfer results in excellent contour and functional outcome, with a natural-appearing thumb. In addition, all toes are preserved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the technique and report our experience with the reconstruction of combined proximal thumb amputations at the metacarpal base level and index finger amputation at the metacarpal level with pollicization and bilateral double toe composite transfer. METHODS: The technique consists of pollicization of the remnant index ray. Then a contralateral composite medial great toe pulp and vascularized second toe proximal interphalangeal joint flap are harvested to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Subsequently, an ipsilateral composite great toe wrap-around and second toe proximal interphalangeal joint flap are harvested to reconstruct the thumb interphalangeal joint and the distal thumb. A neurotized superthin anterolateral thigh flap is used to reconstruct the ipsilateral toe defect, while the bone defects of the bilateral second toes are reconstructed with corticocancellous iliac crest bone grafts. Between 2010 and 2014, eight patients underwent reconstruction. Four patients could be recalled for follow-up, with a mean duration of 22 months. RESULTS: All flaps survived. The contour and length of the reconstructed thumbs was similar to the contralateral one. The mean Michigan hand outcomes questionnaire score was 80.5. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 7.5. The mean foot and ankle disability index score was 94.2. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of thumb amputations at the metacarpal base level with pollicization and double toe composite transfer results in excellent contour and functional outcome, with a natural-appearing thumb. In addition, all toes are preserved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.
Authors: Jun Fang; Bin Wang; Ruizheng Hao; Wei Wang; Song Jia; Binggang Wang; Zhongping Gong; Yi Zhang; Huanyou Yang Journal: Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi Date: 2021-08-15